Sustainability through a child’s eyes: Camille Licate ’96 leads Earth Day talk
With her signature red hair, radiant smile, and warmhearted charm, Camille Licate ’96 naturally connects with children. It’s no surprise that when this Mercyhurst University Distinguished Alumna founded “Kids for Positive Change” in 2017, it was a perfect fit. Through her multimedia educational company, Licate empowers young people to take action for animals, people, and the planet.
As the featured speaker for Mercyhurst University’s annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture, Licate will present “Sustainability Through the Eyes of a Child: Amplifying the Voices of Tomorrow's Environmental Leaders” on Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability and Office of Mission, the event is free and open to the public and provides Act 48 credit for area educators.
Drawing from her experiences as an educator and advocate, Licate will help attendees understand sustainability from a child’s perspective. She will share insights, stories, and "ah-ha" moments from her eight years working with K-12 and university-age students. Her talk will introduce a proven five-step formula designed to engage, educate, and empower young people in environmental action—starting with educator support and resources.
"Mercyhurst is excited to welcome Camille, as her expertise aligns with our core values and connects to majors like Sustainability Studies and Education," said Molly Tarvin, Mercyhurst’s Sustainability coordinator. "We’re especially eager to hear her insights on middle school engagement, as we prepare to host a Sustainability Summer Camp for grades 6-8 this June."
A native of Ashtabula, Ohio, Licate is an engaging speaker, published author, and passionate environmental educator. Her interactive programs have reached schools across the tri-state area, including The Calhoun School, The Browning School, Horace Mann School, and Columbia University Extension in New York; Ashtabula Area City Schools and Ohio University’s Green Project in Ohio—as well as Mercyhurst University.
To expand her advocacy efforts, she created the PBS television series, “Kids for Positive Change,” which features young changemakers from Erie and beyond and currently airs on WQLN PBS.
“Camille’s work has been incredibly effective in teaching students about climate change in a way that is hopeful and empowering,” Tarvin said. “She not only educates but also provides tangible strategies for making a difference, helping to ease the anxiety that often comes with such a large-scale issue.”
Before launching her environmental career, Licate was a professional dancer who performed with The Martha Graham Dance Company and appeared in numerous television commercials and indie films. She made her screenwriting debut with the animated children’s film “Izzie’s Way Home” and is the author of “Small Shoes” (a self-help book) and “Bree and Me: A True Story of a Rescue Rooster’s Journey.”
Her dedication to animals and the planet has led her to work as a Chief Pottery Analyst for the American Museum of Natural History, travel to Borneo with Orangutan Foundation International, volunteer with the Georgia Southern Sea Turtle Rescue Team, and spend 10 years assisting wildlife at the California Wildlife Center.
Licate’s work has been recognized by Dr. Jane Goodall, the Roots & Shoots Youth Movement, the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, The Pollination Project, and PETA. She serves on the board of Kent State University’s Rising Scholars program, is a member of the National Wildlife Federation’s Climate Resiliency Education Task Force, and was trained as a Climate Reality Leader by former Vice President Al Gore. In recognition of her impact, she received Mercyhurst University’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to the Community.
At home, Licate is a proud dog mom to rescue pups Walter, Claire, Carmel, and Maya, and to a rescue rooster named Bree. Her favorite things? Dogs in coats, airport reunions, and vegan donuts.
Learn more about Camille Licate at her website.